useful for their work. Developing and implementing integration policies should be among the priorities of all States seeking to accommodate diversity and avoid the risk of conflict developing out of increased separation and tension between groups in society, and thereby contributing to long-term peace and stability. By sharing the conclusions from 20 years of HCNM work to support processes towards the integration of society and making recommendations based on this experience, it is hoped that these Guidelines will contribute to the elaboration and implementation of effective integration policies by participating States. Knut Vollebaek OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities The Hague, 7 November 2012 6 Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies